Understanding and Addressing Elementary School Bullying

Bullying is a significant issue that affects students across all levels of education, but it can have especially damaging effects when experienced in elementary school. 

Research shows that bullying is a widespread issue across educational levels, including elementary school. Studies suggest that about 1 in 5 children experience some form of bullying, and bullying behaviors often begin in the later years of elementary school. Understanding the effects of bullying and supporting your child if they are involved in bullying are strong preventive measures against this impactful behavior. 

What Is Elementary School Bullying?

Bullying can be defined as repeated aggressive behavior intended to hurt, intimidate, or belittle another person. Unlike occasional teasing, which can be lighthearted, bullying is deliberate and persistent. Bullying, moreover, involves a real or perceived imbalance in control. In elementary school, bullying can manifest in several ways:

• Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, or other forms of physical harm.
• Verbal bullying: Name-calling, making fun of someone, or spreading hurtful rumors.
• Social bullying: Excluding others, gossiping, or manipulating friendships.
• Cyberbullying: Using digital platforms to harass or humiliate someone, although this tends to be more common in middle school and high school.

Bullying in elementary schools can significantly affect a child’s development and mental health. According to a 2025 study, bullying behaviors—including physical and verbal aggression—are prevalent during these early years and can significantly affect children’s emotional and social development.

This study demonstrated the long-term effects of bullying and found that those who experience bullying during childhood are more likely to suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, later in life. This makes early intervention in bullying pivotal.

Understanding why children engage in bullying behaviors is essential for both prevention and intervention. Several factors contribute to why some children bully others:

• Family dynamics: Children who witness or experience violence or neglect at home may internalize these behaviors and replicate them at school.
• Peer pressure: Some children bully others to gain social status or popularity within a peer group.
• Low self-esteem: Children who feel insecure may engage in bullying to gain a sense of control or to make themselves feel better.
• Lack of empathy: Some children may not fully understand or appreciate the harm they are causing to others.

How Does Bullying Affect Young Children?

The effects of bullying on young children can be devastating and long-lasting. Bullying can have immediate emotional and social consequences, as well as cause long-term mental health issues. Children who experience bullying are at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Research indicates that the effects of bullying can last well into adulthood. A 2025 study found that relational bullying, such as exclusion from peer groups and verbal harassment, was particularly damaging and had a consistent relationship with depressive symptoms across different stages of childhood. 

This study examined the long-term consequences of bullying in a Chinese cohort and found that adults who were bullied during childhood were more likely to suffer from depression and other mental health challenges later in life. These results highlight the enduring impact of bullying on mental health. Children who are isolated from friends or bullied verbally often experience loneliness and a lack of emotional support, contributing to feelings of despair and isolation.

What to Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied in Elementary School?

If you suspect or know that your child is being bullied, it’s important to take action immediately. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Talk to Your Child

Create a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their experiences. Ask open-ended questions like, “How was your day at school?” or “Has anyone been treating you badly?” This can help your child open up about what they are experiencing. It is important to make your child feel safe enough to disclose this information with you and be compassionate, as this experience can be significantly difficult for your child to endure and may carry some level of embarrassment or shame. 

2. Document the Incidents

Keep a detailed record of any bullying incidents, including the date, time, location, and who was involved. This will be helpful when discussing the issue with school staff or other authorities.

3. Contact the School

Once you understand the situation, reach out to the school. Talk to your child’s teacher, principal, or counselor to report the bullying. Schools are required to take action to stop bullying and ensure the safety of all students. Many schools have anti-bullying policies in place, and adults in the school system should intervene to stop the harmful behavior.

4. Teach Your Child Coping Strategies

Help your child develop strategies to cope with bullying. Encourage them to stay calm and assertively tell the bully to stop. Role-playing can be an effective way to practice these strategies and increase your child’s confidence.

What Are Signs Your Child Is Being Bullied in Elementary School?

Recognizing the signs of bullying is crucial for parents. Symptoms may not always be obvious, so watch for subtle changes in behavior. Some signs that your child may be experiencing bullying include:

• Reluctance to go to school or frequent school absences.
• Unexplained physical injuries or complaints of headaches or stomach aches.
• Changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, anxious, or depressed.
• A sudden decline in academic performance or disinterest in schoolwork.
• Missing personal belongings, like lunch money or school supplies.

If you notice these signs, take them seriously and start a conversation with your child to find out what’s going on.

How Can You Help Your Child Handle Elementary School Bullying

Helping your child navigate bullying is a vital part of managing the situation. Here are some tips for supporting your child:

• Teach them to assert themselves: Teach your child to stand up for themselves by saying, “Please stop, you’re not respecting me,” or “I don’t like that.” Practicing this in a safe environment can help them feel more confident.
• Foster friendships: Encourage your child to form positive friendships with peers. Children with strong social networks are less likely to become targets of bullying.
• Encourage open communication: Let your child know they can talk to you about anything and that you will support them in handling the situation.
• Help them develop resilience: Teach your child that they are not defined by the bullies’ words or actions. Building self-esteem through activities they enjoy can help buffer the emotional impact of bullying.

How Can You Prevent Bullying in Elementary School?

Preventing bullying involves creating an environment of respect, kindness, and open communication. Here are some strategies to help prevent bullying:

• Promote empathy: Teach your child to treat others with respect and kindness. Empathy is a key factor in preventing bullying behaviors.
• Monitor school interactions: Stay involved in your child’s school life. Keep track of their friends, activities, and any changes in behavior or mood.
• Work with the school: Advocate for anti-bullying policies at your child’s school and encourage the implementation of programs that foster positive behavior and communication.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

If the bullying continues or if your child shows signs of emotional distress (such as severe anxiety, depression, or behavioral changes), it may be time to seek professional help. Therapists and counselors can work with your child to help them process their experiences and develop effective coping strategies.

Research suggests that bullying has long-term effects on emotional and psychological health, as well as affecting body image and relationships. Findings also reveal a correlation between adverse childhood experiences and bullying behaviors, as reported in a 2025 study, underscoring the complex interrelationship between bullying and mental health, with those who bully and those who get bullied. Seeking professional support can help mitigate these effects and support your child’s mental well-being.

Next Steps

If you are concerned about your child’s emotional well-being or if you need help navigating a bullying situation, it is important to seek guidance from a professional. Handspring therapists are trained to help children and families address bullying and its effects.

Schedule a free consultation today with a licensed Handspring therapist by visiting this link. Together, we can work to address bullying and ensure that your child thrives emotionally and socially.